3.5L EcoBoost Trumps 5.0L in F-150 Comparison Test

EcoBoost or V8? It’s a question a lot of you might be facing when you head to the dealership to get your new F-150. Which one should you get? While there are compelling reasons to look at both engine options, the results of a recent comparison test might just make up your mind for you. Why? Because the 3.5L EcoBoost was declared the winner.

Unlike a lot of comparison tests out there, including a recently fuel economy test between a 2.7L EcoBoost and the 5.0L V8, these trucks that Car and Driver employed are nearly identical. Mainly, they had the same rear axle 3.55 gears, which are extremely important in comparing trucks head to head. But it’s hard to find similar trucks in the media fleets, so kudos to Car and Driver for getting as close as humanly possible.

Without a load, both trucks offer similar performance. They also returned identical fuel economy numbers. Car and Driver appreciates the linear power delivery of the V8 when not towing a load, as it’s easier to modulate the throttle.

But the winning contrast is made when towing a load. The EcoBoost’s absolute grunt when towing a trailer was staggering, and not exactly what they expected. For the full report, be sure to head over to their site. But Ford has been saying for years that EcoBoost is the way to go to get work done, and this recent comparison is affirmation that they are correct.